Sunday, July 22, 2012

Simple. Healthy. Delicious.

I’ll admit to a
tendency to want to tweak things.But I
try to recognize when less is more.

While at the Farmer’s
Market, I was inspired to make this simple salad.Simple, of course, doesn’t have to mean
boring.This has all of the markers of a
well-rounded dish.A bit of nuttiness
from the cheese and walnuts, the sweetness of the fresh vegetables and pea shoots,
and tang from the lemon come together nicely.The pea shoots, obviously, are not something you’re going to see every
day in your standard grocery store, but you could substitute a bit of parsley.

See?No muss, no fuss doesn’t have to put you into
a coma.

Summer Squash Salad

1 medium sized
zucchini

1 medium sized yellow
squash

2 tsp kosher salt

3 Tbs freshly squeezed
lemon juice

3 Tbs extra virgin
olive oil

1 tsp fresh thyme

Salt and pepper to
taste1 ear sweet corn

1/3 cup walnut pieces,
toasted

Shaved Asiago cheese

Pea shoots

Slice the squash
lengthwise using a mandoline (you could also use a vegetable peeler).Place slices in a strainer and sprinkle with
the kosher salt.Allow to sit for 30
minutes.Rinse thoroughly and allow to
drain again, about another 5 minutes or so.Dry on paper towels.

Meanwhile, combine the
lemon juice, olive oil, thyme and salt and pepper in a container with a
lid.Shake thoroughly until emulsified.

Husk corn and toast slightly, either on the grill, or in a grill pan. If cooking on the stove, add a little water to your pan once you have a bit of color on the corn and cook just until tender. Allow to cool. Cut kernels from corn cob. Combine corn and squash in a bowl.

Pour enough of the dressing mixture
over the squash and corn and toss to coat lightly.Arrange in serving dish.Season with a bit more salt and pepper, if
desired.

Top with
walnuts, cheese and pea shoots.Serve
immediately.

Note:the squash and dressing can be prepared in
advance.Store separately and then
prepare as directed just before serving.

About Me

No journeys of self-discovery here. I pretty much know who I am. No-nonsense (and sometimes brutally honest), I believe in eking everything I can out of this existence.
I’m a hard-core multi-tasker. The word ‘serene’ would never be used to describe me.
I love to create. And whether it’s a character, a painting, or a four-course meal, I pour myself into everything I do.
Welcome to my little corner of the world.
Curtain up.